The second phase of the “Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings of Sarajevo Canton” project has been successfully completed, which improved energy efficiency in 32 public buildings, including schools, kindergartens, student dormitories, and healthcare facilities across the Canton.
This is one of the most tangible development projects in Sarajevo Canton, directly improving citizens’ quality of life, from more comfortable classrooms and kindergartens to lower heating costs and reduced air pollution. The project is implemented in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Union and the Government of Austria, with a total value of €11 million, including a €2 million EU grant and an €8 million EBRD loan, while Austria funds technical assistance.
The works included thermal insulation of façades and roofs, replacement of windows and doors, modernization of heating systems, and installation of LED lighting. The expected results are multiple: up to a 50% reduction in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, as well as long-term budget savings and significantly improved conditions for thousands of users.
To mark the completion of the second phase, a photo exhibition documenting the transformation of the buildings was opened at the European House of Culture and National Minorities. From tomorrow (26 March), the exhibition will also be open to the public in front of the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo, where it will remain displayed until 25 April.
Magdalena Mueller-Uri, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, underlined the EU’s continuous support to increase energy efficiency in BiH, aimed at supporting the green transition, improving conditions in public and private buildings, as well as lowering costs for taxpayers and households. “With a €2 million EU grant, this project is already delivering real results in schools, hospitals and kindergartens in Sarajevo Canton. Energy efficiency improves the quality of life for citizens, saves money, and contributes to a cleaner and greener future. The EU offers considerable support for energy transition across Bosnia and Herzegovina, including through the Reform Agenda of the Growth Plan, presenting clear opportunities for sustainable transition and alignment with EU standards,” said Mueller-Uri.
EBRD Director for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stela Melnic, highlighted the importance of the project for sustainable development: “Energy efficiency may seem invisible, but here it is clearly visible, in warmer classrooms, lower energy bills and a healthier urban environment. EBRD looks forward to continuing and scaling up this cooperation in Sarajevo and across Bosnia and Herzegovina, supporting greener and more sustainable cities,” said Melnic.
Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, emphasized that the project is a clear example of how public policies should deliver in practice: “Citizens expect results from public policies, and this is exactly that: better conditions in classrooms and healthcare facilities, lower costs, and less pollution. We have shown that with clear planning and strong partnerships, we can both save public funds and improve quality of life. We will not stop here. We will continue to expand this model and raise standards across all public buildings in Sarajevo Canton,” said Prime Minister Uk.
Minister of Education of Sarajevo Canton, Naida Hota-Muminović, pointed to the concrete effects in educational institutions: “The results of energy efficiency projects are already visible through heating bills in schools and kindergartens. Funds that were previously spent on heating are now being redirected towards improving working and learning conditions. These are generational projects with both functional and educational value,” said Minister Hota-Muminović.
The project also has a strong environmental dimension, as it directly contributes to reducing harmful emissions, particularly important for Sarajevo, which faces serious air pollution challenges. Each implemented measure therefore brings broader societal benefits, not only for building users but for all citizens.
So far, measures have been implemented in 32 buildings, while the project foresees up to 40 public buildings in total. Preparatory activities are underway for the remaining four buildings, including those of cultural and historical significance.
The authors of the exhibition photographs are Jasmin Agović, Kenan Tahmiščić, and Dženan Čengić, EU Delegation in BiH writes.
